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Personalized Travel Assistance

Our travel health specialists are specially trained to provide you with up to date recommendations including appropriate immunizations, preventative medications, and counseling on precautionary measures to avoid insect-borne diseases and travelers’ diarrhea. Our goal is to make your trip as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Pre-arrival
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Prior to confirming your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, you should consider the entry requirements of Thailand. You may need to get vaccinated or apply for a visa in order to enter the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Health and Vaccinations

As with traveling to most other countries, health authorities advise all travelers to always make sure that they’re up to date on all their vaccinations before the trip. Every traveler needs to be up to date on their routine vaccinations, which are: thediphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the polio vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and your regular flu vaccine.

Additionally, please see the table below for more specific vaccine recommendations that may apply to specific people before entering Thailand.

Vaccine

Who Needs It?

Why?

Japanese Encephalitis

Some travelers who may be staying in Thailand for a long time, or planning to travel around the country

There have been reports of transmissions in Northern Thailand, as well as the coastal areas of Southern Thailand.

Typhoid

Most travelers , especially those planning to travel to rural areas or are adventurous eaters

There is a risk of contamination through food or water.

Hepatitis A

Most travelers.

There is a high risk of contamination through food or water.

Rabies

Some travelers , especially those who will come into contact with a lot of animals

Although rabies is not a major risk in Thailand, it can be found in some animals, especially street dogs and cats.

Hepatitis B

Some travelers , especially those who plan to get tattoos or piercings while traveling in Thailand

Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and other blood products.

Cholera

Some travelers

There is a risk for contamination through food or water, especially in areas where there is an active transmission.

Yellow Fever

Only people who are traveling from countries with a risk of yellow fever contamination.

There is no risk of yellow fever contamination in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever from all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination. To determine if you are one of these travelers, please see this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Malaria: When traveling in Thailand, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. Areas of Thailand with risk of malaria: Primarily in provinces that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos and the provinces of Kalasin, Krabi (Plai Phraya district), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga (including Phang Nga City), Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Yala, especially the rural forest and forest fringe areas of these provinces. Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

None in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta) and Pattaya City. See more detailed information about malaria in Thailand.

Immigration and Customs

The entry requirements to enter Thailand may vary depending on your country of origin. For more specific information that applies to you directly, it is recommended that you contact your own state department of immigration. Click here to be redirected to Tourism Authority of Thailand to learn more about entry requirements.

Safety and Security

The Kingdom of Thailand continue to attract thousands of tourists and new residents from around the world, all drawn to its diverse landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and ancient culture. Although tourists and residents of Thailand can enjoy relative calm and safety throughout their time in the Kingdom, it’s important to be aware of the current realities facing Thailand.

Political Situation in Thailand

The government structure of Thailand is known as a Constitutional Monarchy, currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Since 2005, Thailand has experienced many instances of political turmoil which include a military coup d’état in 2006 that resulted in the removal of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Chinawat, followed by anti-government protests and conflicts between competing political factions for several years. In August 2014, Royal Thai Army General Prayut Chan-ocha was appointed Prime Minister, following another coup d’état a few months before.

Today, the political situation in most of Thailand is relatively calm, with the new constitution having been signed in April 2017. However, the Southern region of the country continues to experience unrest and violence due to ethnic and nationalist insurgents. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to exercise caution when traveling to these areas, and to always stay informed of the current political climate.

Thailand has a healthy and fairly consistent system of information and journalism, where the most current political events and realities are covered both in English and Thai. One such outlet is the Bangkok Post.

Safety in Thailand: Road Travel

Traveling within Thailand is relatively simple with buses, trains, planes, and boats making it possible to reach nearly all areas of the country rather easily. Within the city of Bangkok taxis, motorcycles, cars, and an extensive subway system connects the entire city. For those who choose to drive in Thailand, there are some important points to consider regarding the laws and regulations that govern driving in Thailand. The website Driving in Thailand provides comprehensive information on the rules, regulations, and expectations that come along with driving in Thailand.

Political status

COUNTRY RISK ASSESSMENT

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Country Risk

See the country risk analysis provided by Coface.


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Traffic Status

Live Traffic Click Here


 

 

Information on Current International Infectious Disease Situation

This information is put together for you by the Infection Control Department at Bumrungrad International Hospital in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand. Click Here

Weather Status

Live Weather Click here

Travel Advice and Support

Once you’ve decided to travel to Bangkok, you may want to learn more about Thailand and how you can make the most out of your trip. The best place to start your research would be the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website, which covers a wide range of topics such as:

Travel Checklist

Once your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital has been confirmed, our medical travel team will send you a packet of important information you need to know before traveling. To help you better prepare your medical travel itinerary, please take a look at this travel checklist.
 

Section I: Traveling by Air

In general, if you have the below conditions; it is prohibited to travel by air

  • Have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks if you are carrying twins, triplets, etc.).
  • Have a recent heart attack or stroke. Or any type of surgery, especially stomach, brain, eye, orthopedic (bone and joint) surgery including stomach, eye, or head injury. Please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
  • Have an implanted cardiac device such as pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD); please check with your doctor before travelling by air. Don’t forget to carry your personal device identification card with you at all times.
  • Have flu-like symptoms with or without tuberculosis like symptoms such as prolonged cough, weight loss, night sweat, fatigue, fever, and chest pain for more than 2 weeks. We strongly advise you to not travel at this stage, and for them to continue treatment with their current care team until his symptoms have resolved completely.
  • Are suffering from the below signs and symptoms, please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
    • Chest pain.
    • Any disease that you can easily spread to other people.
    • Severe sinus, ear, or nose infections.
    • Breathlessness at rest, difficult breathing.
    • Psychotic illness except when fully controlled.
    • A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or greater.
    • Skin rash
    • Confusion
    • Bruising or bleeding (without previous injury)
    • Diarrhea that does not go away.
    • Vomiting that does not go away (other than motion sickness).

During the flight:

  • Keep all of your medications in your hand luggage.
  • Drink plenty of water to help prevent hydration and to help loosen your sputum and allow you to keep your chest clear from low humidity levels in air cabin.
  • During a long-distance flight of 4 hours or longer (Also see https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html , deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of this inactivity; make sure you get up and walk about regularly when permitted by the staff on the aircraft. Bend and stretch your legs and wiggle your feet at regular intervals (for example every 30 minutes) to encourage your circulation.
    • If you have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, your doctor can help you work out what measures you may need to take prior to flying. This may include graduated compression stockings, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
  • If you will need oxygen during the flight, this must be requested in advance. A Medical Information Form, stating your current clinical condition and the reason for oxygen requirement, must be filled out and submitted to the airlines. It may take 3-5 working days to process and subjected to the airlines approval.
 

Section II: Pre-operative Preparation

  • Please inform your doctor before the surgery if you have an existing medical condition for which you are taking medication and/or you have undergone any previous surgeries.
  • If you are taking anticoagulants like aspirin, Persantin®, Ticlid®, Plavix®, warfarin, Orfarin®, heparin, and Fraxiparine®, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially vitamin E, stop these medications/supplements at least one week before the surgery or as recommended by your doctor.
  • If you smoke and drink alcohol regularly, please stop for at least one week before the surgery to reduce the chances of complications.
  • If you have any underlying diseases: cardiovascular disease / diabetes / high blood pressure / asthma / cancer / or others including any allergic to any medications and any medicines you are taking, current treatment and correlating diagnosis, please inform physician in advance.

Download 

What do I need to prepare for my medical travel? 

  1. Check if your passport is valid and if you need a visa to travel to the destination country. 

  2. Decide how you will finance your medical payment, such as cash or credit card, and make sure additional cash in the local currency. Call your bank or card insurer to forewarn them that you may process a large payment abroad. This is to prevent banks from treating the transaction as suspicious and blocking your account. 

  3. Ensure that you have contact information to your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant. 

  4. Inform your employer about your absence at work due to medical travel. 

  5. Check the weather forecast for Bangkok and prepare yourself. 

  6. Arrange assistance at home when you are abroad. 

  7. Check if it is necessary for you to get certain vaccinations. 

  8. Remember to make your appointment at the clinic and pay the reservation fee if needed. Double check the dates. 

  9. Purchase appropriate flight tickets. Make sure someone will pick you up from the airport. 

  10. Remove any nail polish as the color of your nail plate may help indicate your health condition. 

What should I take with me?

  1. Mobile phone with a charger
  2. Personal documents such as ID card, passport and visa
  3. Credit/debit card and some additional cash in the correct local currency.
  4. Medical records, including current diagnosis, films (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound), biopsy results and your contact information.
  5. Daily medication, if any, in original packaging; any type of information regarding any chronic diseases that you may have.
  6. Items for leisure and entertainment purposes during your medical travel; for instance, books, magazines and music players 
  7. Comfortable pajamas and bathrobe if your medical procedure requires overnight stays; for instance, it is recommended that you wear shorts instead of long trousers if you have a knee surgery scheduled; for a shoulder operation, you may consider bringing a zip-up blazer
  8. Comfortable undergarments and socks
  9. Shoes to walk around the clinic – if you are undergoing plastic or another upper-body surgery, then you may take slippers. In the case of the orthopedic procedure, please bear in mind that you need some more stable footwear trainers.
  10. A basic set of toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, comb, sanitary napkins, shaving kit, hair band, lip balm and face wash
  11. Towels
  12. A set of clothes for your physiotherapy and rehabilitation, if it is required after surgery; this may include tracksuit and a pair of sneakers
  13. Largely depends on the purpose of your medical travel, you may consider visiting sightseeing destinations; if that is the case, bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes; however, if you may undergo procedures that affect mobility, such as a hip replacement, you should consider bringing comfortable loose trousers, blazer and elastic shorts.
  14. Sleep essentials such as earplugs, pajamas and your favorite small pillow
Finding your way to Bumrungrad

Finding Your Way to Bumrungrad

We are committed to providing world-class service to our international patients at Bumrungrad International Hospital. We offer a personalized approach to serving the unique needs of our patients, and it starts the moment you land in Bangkok. 

Bumrungrad Airport Representative

Bumrungrad International Hospital has a dedicated airport representative team to assist you as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. After immigration and customs checks, please proceed to Exit B or C (depending on where you collect your luggage) and walk towards Gate 10. The Bumrungrad Airport counter is located diagonally across Exit C of the Arrival Hall as shown in the picture below. More Information

 

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Your airport representative can help you with the following: 

  • Arrange Bumrungrad shuttle van services (one-way only) for your arrival. 

  • Book an appointment in advance. 

  • Make changes to your appointment upon arrival. 

  • Make hotel reservations upon arrival. 

 

Bumrungrad Shuttle Van Service

Bumrungrad International Hospital provides complimentary shuttle van service from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Bumrungrad or hotels close by the hospital. The shuttle van is scheduled to depart every half an hour (depends on the number of passengers) from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The departure time of the shuttle van depends on the prevailing traffic conditions.

At Suvarnabhumi International Airport, there are many transportation options available. This includes: 

At Don Mueang International Airport, there are also a number of public transportation options for you to choose from.  

Getting a Taxi from Suvarnabhumi

If you would like to head to Bumrungrad on your own, we recommend getting a taxi from the airport. There is a taxi stand located on the ground level of the Main Terminal Building. Generally speaking, the queue might be long, but it tends to move fairly quickly. Simply let the staff at the taxi stand know your destination. To head straight to Bumrungrad, our hospital name is sufficient as are well known in Bangkok. 
 
All drivers should the taxi meter in Bangkok, and the fare automatically starts at 35 THB. There is an additional surcharge of 50 THB for getting a taxi from the airport, and this is payable to the driver at the end of the journey. We recommend that you take the highway from the airport, as the elevated freeway takes you right into the heart of Bangkok, very close to Bumrungrad.  
 
If you get a taxi from the airport or anywhere around Bangkok, it is best to make sure you that you have small notes such as 100 THB as taxi drivers do not often carry a lot of change. In Bangkok, tips are accepted gratefully by taxi drivers. For a journey from the airport to Bumrungrad, 20 THB is a good tip.

Maps and Directions to Bumrungrad

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the world’s premier healthcare establishments, with over 55 specialized clinical departments. Located in the heart of Bangkok,Bumrungrad is easily accessible. Here are a number of maps and directions to help you make your way to the hospital with ease.

Area Map

Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok Thailand Map and Direction
Click to download map - PDF (618 KB)

 

Interactive Google Map 


View Larger Map

Shuttle Van Services From Suvarnabhumi

Bumrungrad operates its own transportation counter in the arrival area C of Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Our staff are stationed at the counter to help medical travelers and arrange plane-to-hospital transportation services.  Click 
Admission Time

Admission Time

Patients can check-in anytime depending on the physician’s recommendation and the patient’s scheduled procedure(s). The room charges, services and meal plans will be effective on the first day of admission until 12 pm on the next day.

Contact Admission Office

7am to 8pm: Upon arrival at the hospital, please proceed to the second floor of the Main Hospital Building to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission.

8pm to 7am: Upon arrival at the hospital, please contact the registration desk at the emergency room on the ground floor of the Main Hospital Building to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission. 

Hospital Services and Facilities

To ensure a restful stay, Bumrungrad provides a range of facilities and services for the comfort and convenience of our patients and their visitors. Click here to learn more about our hospital services and facilities.

Telephone Services

Bedside telephones are available in all inpatient rooms. 

  • To call a local mobile phone, dial 9 and then the mobile phone number.
  • To make a three-digit and four-digit number call, dial 9 and then the three-digit and four-digit number.
  • To make a perimeter call, dial 9, 02 and then the phone number. 
  • To make an up-country call, dial 9, the area code and then the phone number.
  • To make an overseas call, dial 9, 001, the country code, the area code and then the phone number.

Room Entertainment

Television: The inpatient room is equipped with a television, showing free-to-air television channels, a variety of entertainment shows and sports games.  Internet access: High-speed Internet will be accessible with a unique password that is given upon check-in.

Meal Services

Inpatient meals: To ensure that all our patients receive proper nutritional value under our physician’s recommendation, patients are encouraged to only consume the food provided by the hospital. Our dietetic services will take the patient’s procedure into consideration and present freshly cooked meals that are best for their health condition.

Dining options: A range of dining options is available for patients, family members and friends in the Main Hospital Building of Bumrungrad. Most of these restaurants will deliver directly to the patient’s room with a simple phone call. Click here to learn more.

Nursing Services

For our patient’s safety and convenience, there is a nursing call handset by your bed, connecting you to our nursing staff 24 hours a day. There are also call bells located in the bathroom. Our team of nurses and staff are always happy to assist. 

Patient attendant: For patient attendant services, please contact ward nurses for more information. Once requested and approved, we will allocate a patient attendant or nursing assistant to the room.

Business Center

The Business Center is a central point of information and contacts, providing support and help to all patients and their families with their travel documentation. This includes visa extension, clerical duties and other secretary support services. We are here to ensure that medical travelers admitted to Bumrungrad and their families are well assisted during their stay in Bangkok. Click here to learn more. 

Other Services

  • Housekeeping: Every patient room is cleaned daily by our housekeeping team. You can inform our ward nurses of any specific needs or requirements.
  • Newspaper: Every morning, the local newspaper will be delivered to your room.
  • Maintenance requests: If you find anything is faulty, please inform our ward nurses to prepare for repair.
  • Security: There is an in-room electronic safe box, which we encourage patients to use for depositing valuables.
  • Fire safety: The hospital has an automatic fire alarm system.
  • No smoking: Smoking is prohibited by law on all hospital grounds.
  • Parking: Our car parking lot is open 24 hours a day.

A Guide to Ensure That Your Stay is Comfortable

When you stay at Bumrungrad, you are taken care of by a professional team of staff and nurses who are an expert in addressing your specific needs. We are dedicated to making your patient stay a smooth and exceptional experience.

Pre-admission Procedure

Patients, including medical travelers, can only be admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital upon a physician’s recommendation. Click here to book an appointment

During the admission process, patients will be informed of the following:

  • Types of inpatient rooms
  • Pricing of the inpatient rooms, services and daily meals
  • The estimated cost of operation and procedure
  • Deposits
  • Various modes of payment accepted
  • Contract company
  • Permission to leave the hospital
  • Policy regarding guests staying overnight with the patient
  • Information on infection control, prevention and patient safety
  • Child delivery
  • Policy regarding procedures, medication and treatments at the hospital
  • Inpatient nutritional plans
  • Valuables and safety box
  • Loss and damage policy of hospital property
  • Equipment and tools to be employed in the hospital
  • Information on visas and possible extensions

Visiting Guide

At Bumrungrad, we believe that family members and friends play an important role in the patient’s recovery process. We encourage visitors to drop by and keep the patient company under these simple housekeeping rules, which only apply to patients staying at regular wards. Patients staying in private single room can welcome visitors 24 hours.

Visiting the Regular Ward

Patients staying in double or two-bed bedrooms are recommended to welcome visitors between 6 am to 10 pm to avoid disturbing other patients in the room.

After 10 pm, visitors must first register at the nurse station. Once the visitation is approved by the patient, hospital staff will then accompany the visitor to the patient’s room.

Visiting the Critical Care Units

Visitation is only allowed from 9 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 10 pm. Visitation is strictly prohibited during all other hours.

Only two visitors will be allowed in a patient’s room at a time.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients in critical care units unless it is a critical patient. In that case, visitation will be considered.

Visitors are not permitted to eat, drink or stay overnight in the critical care units.

Photography and videos are prohibited in the critical care department.

Please avoid bringing flowers into the critical care units.

Please refrain from using your mobile phone in the critical care units or surrounding area.

What to Bring

  • Passport with immigration stamp (Arrival stamp by Thai Immigration Bureau)
  • Any proof of medical insurance or benefits such as a letter of guarantee from your insurance company, employer or embassy

This is only applicable for insurance companies, employers and embassies which have a contract agreement with Bumrungrad.

Against Medical Advice 

Against Medical Advice

Patients and Medical travel patients who refuse all types of diagnostic, treatment both inpatient and outpatient; Patients and Medical travel patients have to follow the hospital policy by signing “Consent :Against Medical Advice”

What to expect before and after your discharge

Being discharged may be exciting and stressful at the same time. Bumrungrad offers this guide to help you understand the discharge process and what to expect after departure. Keep in mind that healing doesn’t stop after you leave, and it is important to follow your doctor’s medical advice after departure.

Discharge Plan

At Bumrungrad, patients will be first assessed by physicians before written discharge orders are issued. To ensure that you are ready for the discharge process, the written discharge order must be recorded and filed in your medical records prior to the discharge.

Discharge Time

The discharge happens at 11 am. On the day of your discharge, you are allowed to submit a request for a late discharge and stay longer. However, additional expenses will be applied. 

  • If you decide to discharge before 6 pm, you will be charged half-day for the room and services and full price for any food services.
  • If you decide to discharge after 6 pm, you will be charged for regular room, service and meal plans at full price.

If you require to be transferred to the Critical Care Unit, Bumrungrad would like for you to return the room and help you arrange the transfer immediately.

Educational Resources

It is important to understand the educational resources and recommendations that your doctor gives you at the discharge. The following list includes some of the important takeaways at discharge. Please do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions. 

At discharge, patients will:

  • Be informed and educated about the drugs and medication that they have been given.
  • Be taught how to manage and adapt to the environment so that it does not affect their health condition; how to utilize community resources and deal with the economic and social problems which may affect their condition.
  • Understand the goal of treatment, learn how to observe their own symptoms and know when to notify the physician or nurse about significant symptoms. Patients will have sufficient knowledge to handle any emergency situations by themselves appropriately before arriving at a hospital.
  • Understand their own health status such as limitations and effect from their medical condition. Patients will be able to handle daily activities, cope with the health limitation, aid recovery and prevent complications from happening.
  • Understand and realize the importance of follow-up appointments. Patients should understand the need to ask for help in the case of emergency, as well as the treatment outcome and treatment plan to the other units which may be applicable.
  • Have the know-how in selecting nutritional food that is best for their health condition.

If treatment must be continued at another healthcare facility, patients will discharge and leave with a summary of the given treatment at Bumrungrad. This summary report will be issued by a physician and given to the patient by a nurse at discharge.

Follow-up

Patients will be contacted by Bumrungrad after the discharge for a follow-up regarding their medical conditions and satisfaction towards our services. Please provide the contact details to our nurses so that our coordination physicians and cultural support officers can follow-up with you.

Level of Satisfaction for Health Experience

Your feedback towards our healthcare services is valuable to our organization as we strive to improve our services every day.

Traveling by Air

If you need to travel by air to return to your home country or another travel destination, you will need to as your doctor to certify a Fit for Travel Medical Certificate, as well as a list of medications you will require abroad. The Fit for Travel Medical Certificate is only valid for seven days from the date of issue. Please ensure the following before making travel plans:

  • Ask your physician for a summary of medical reports, lab tests and X-ray results
  • Gather the contact information of your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant
  • Inform your physician and nurse where your destination is
  • Confirm transportation plans at the airport in the destination you are headed to

Bumrungrad's World-Class Facilities

Da Vinci Robot-Assisted Surgery
Electrophysiology Lab

International Accreditation

Joint Commission International

Bumrungrad was the first Asian hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the international arm

Global Healthcare Accreditation

With a focus on medical travel care, the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) Program sets the standard for healthcare organizations serving medical travel patients.

Hospital Accreditation-HA

Bumrungrad is the first hospital in Thailand to obtain the Advanced Hospital Accreditation (A-HA) from the Healthcare Accreditation Institute in 2016.